Rangers ropey defending saw them blow a massive chance to all but seal their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

The Ibrox men looked to be in control having taken a 3-2 lead into the break after a madcap 45 minutes but Spartak Moscow rallied but shocking defending in the second period proved their undoing.

An own goal by Roman Eremenko and strikes from Daniel Candeias and Glenn Middleton had earned Steven Gerrard’s men the advantage despite Connor Goldson’s 35th minute own goal and a header by Lorenzo Melgarejo.

But two goals in as many minutes in the second half turned the game on its head as Luiz Adriano punished static defending, and then Sofiane Hanni’s long drive deflected off Goldson to turn the game completely around.

One man who can hold his head high is Allan McGregor as the keeper produced a host of memorable saves to keep his side in the game.

Luiz Adriano celebrates with Ilya Kutepov after scoring their third goal (Image: REUTERS)

The result sees Rangers swap top spot in Group G for third place in the Europa League with two tough games to go against Rapid Vienna and Villarreal.

5 talking points

Rangers' naivety exposed

Ovie Ejaria is dejected after Spartak make it 3-3 (Image: SNS Group)

The idea of scoring three goals away in Europe and coming home empty handed is absurd. This was a golden opportunity for Rangers having taken the lead three times. But their naivety at the back was cruelly exposed. The warning signs have been there in recent games.

Pop quiz

Ivelin Popov was lucky to stay on the pitch after being punished for diving twice. Having copped a yellow card for simulation in the first half, it’s baffling that Croatian referee Ivan Bebek bottled the big call when he did the same again in another spot-kick claim against Katic after the break. He was the man who made the difference.

10 for Glenn

Glenn Middleton scores to make it 3-2 (Image: SNS Group)

It should have been a more memorable night for 18-year-old Glenn Middleton having set one goal up and scored another with a clinical finish. A two minute defensive collapse in the second half overshadowed the youngster’s big night, but this remains a major step forward for the kid.

Fireworks!

Thankfully Steven Gerrard’s fears that his players could be exposed to racist abuse from the Russian fans proved unfounded. But UEFA must still surely take action against Spartak Moscow for the three fireworks that were shot on to the playing surface by their Ultras behind the goal.

Opportunity missed

Daniel Candeias celebrates with Alfredo Morelos after scoring their first goal (Image: REUTERS)

This was a big opportunity missed with Spartak on the ropes and now Rangers' passage to the next stage of the tournament looks a lot more arduous. A trip to face Rapid in Vienna and Villarreal at home will be severe tests of the Ibrox side's nerve.